Gridiron Diaspora
Intro:
Welcome to Lighthouse Stories LLC — a Haitian-led film production company dedicated to uncovering untold narratives that celebrate resilience, heritage, and history.
Our latest documentary, Gridiron Diaspora, shines a long-overdue spotlight on Henry McDonald — one of the NFL’s first Black players and the very first of Haitian descent. Though his contributions helped shape the early days of pro football, his legacy has been largely forgotten.
Through powerful storytelling, deep historical research, and cultural insight, Lighthouse Stories aims to amplify voices that deserve recognition and preserve legacies that have shaped not just sports — but society.
Join us as we bring these stories to life, and help reclaim the history that belongs to us all.
From Haiti to the NFL: The Untold Story
Before the NFL became a global powerhouse, Haitians were already making history on the gridiron. Gridiron Diaspora explores the untold contributions of Haitian and Haitian-American athletes in professional football—beginning with Henry McDonald, one of the first Black professional football players in the early 1900s, to today’s NFL stars.
Through exclusive interviews, historical footage, and expert commentary, this documentary highlights the resilience, culture, and impact of Haitian athletes in football.
🎥 Now in production – Join us on this journey.
Director's Statement
“As a storyteller and filmmaker, I am committed to preserving legacies that history has overlooked. Henry McDonald’s journey from Haiti to the American gridiron is a story of courage, resilience, and cultural pride that deserves to be told. His legacy is not just about football; it is about breaking barriers, defying odds, and paving the way for future generations. Through Gridiron Diaspora, we honor his contributions and bring awareness to a history that must not be forgotten.”
— Jimmy Jacques, Director/Producer
Company: Lighthouse Stories LLC
Email: lighthousestoriesllc@gmail.com
Phone: 728-214-5252 or 561-431-1885
Social Media: Coming soon
About Us:
Lighthouse Stories LLC was founded to illuminate stories that history has overlooked — narratives rooted in cultural heritage, social impact, and the resilience of underrepresented communities.
We specialize in documentaries that celebrate identity, inspire change, and honor legacies often left out of the spotlight.
Our current project, Gridiron Diaspora, is a feature-length documentary that uncovers the untold story of Henry McDonald — a Haitian-born athlete who broke racial barriers in early professional football. His journey, largely forgotten by mainstream history, represents the foundation of a powerful lineage that continues with today’s Haitian and Black NFL stars.
As a Haitian-led production company, Lighthouse Stories believes in the power of film to educate, uplift, and rewrite the record. By reclaiming hidden narratives, we aim to preserve legacies and inspire future generations through bold and meaningful storytelling.
Our Mission: To preserve and share powerful stories that highlight historical and cultural significance, inspiring future generations through film.
Our Vision: To become a leading force in documentary filmmaking, dedicated to bringing light to stories that history has overlooked.